Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a partner for Bruno Guimaraes in Rennes midfielder Lovro Majer.

The Lowdown: World Cup heroics

The 24-year-old played in all seven games for Croatia as they came third in the World Cup in Qatar, albeit only starting in one match (Transfermarkt).

He has been dubbed the 'new Modric' in his homeland, a huge player in Croatian football who has also won many prestigious awards at club level, including the coveted Ballon D'Or.

The Latest: Majer transfer interest

As per French news outlet Media Foot, Newcastle are eyeing Majer as a potential new partner for Bruno in the middle of the park.

Both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are also thought to be interested in the Rennes midfielder, so the Tyneside club may face tough competition for his signature.

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The Verdict: Midfielder needed

Newcastle are in need of a new midfielder given that Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie and Matty Longstaff all see their contracts expire in the summer.

Hailed as an 'extraordinary talent' by sports agent Juanma Lopez, Majer is producing standout numbers at Rennes.

He ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive passes received, 97th for npxG + xAG, 96th for non-penalty xG and shot-creating actions, 95th for assists, 94th for non-penalty goals, xAG and dribbles completed, and 93rd for shots and touches per game among midfielders in Europe's top five leagues over the past year (FBref).

Also, at 24 years of age he has still not reached his peak, so the Magpies would be signing a player who could be a mainstay in their team for years to come.